ABOUT THIS ALBUM

Album Notes

Over the last 25 years, it has been a privilege knowing Ledward Ka‘apana whom I’ve admired as a musician,
recording artist, and friend. His music career spans over 40 years and during those years he has accomplished
a lot. Born and raised near the famous black sand beaches of Kalapana on the Big Island of Hawaii, Ledward
learned the art of playing slack key guitar at an early age from his friends, family, and especially his uncle Fred
Punahoa. These early beginnings stayed with him throughout his career and are largely responsible for who
he is today. Once a member of the legendary group “Hui Ohana” which recorded over 14 albums and then
the group “Ikona” with several more album projects, Led has had a very successful solo career recording with
Dancing Cat REcords and finally with Rhythm & Roots Records. It is his recent Rhythm & Roots recording
which led to him being nominated for a “Grammy Award in 2006” in the newly created “Hawaiian Music
Category”. In all, Ledward has recorded nearly 100 recording projects over the last 35 years with no end in
sight. To witness Ledward perform on the slack key guitar can sometimes bring tears to your eyes. He is the
consummate kiho‘alu artist. He is the living “Grandmaster” of the genre - someone who plays effortlessly and
with joy. Best of all, with all of his accolades and accomplishments, Ledward remains unchanged as a person
and an artist. Humble to the core and talented to the bone. Ledward knows no other way but the “Kalapana
Way”. In this new outing, Ledward shines once again on the slack key guitar. However, falsetto has always
been a part of his package and there is much to celebrate on this recording. I’m confident that this latest
recording will surely satisfy the “Led-Heads”
My hope is that my relationship with Ledward will continue to grow and our future recording projects will
bring joy to all of Hawaii Nei and the world. Through his music all of our spirits are uplifted. He Hawaii Au!